Open Daily 9:00am-17:00pm
COORDINATES
AREA
COAST LENGTH
POPULATION
TELEPHONE CODE
POSTAL CODE
AIRPORT / INT.
HELIPORT
TIME ZONE
CAPITAL
PORT
HEALTH CARE INFO
Tinos
Tinos is an island in the heart of the Aegean Sea, close to the islands Andros, Mykonos and Delos. It is known as the Holy Island where pilgrims crawl on their hands and knees from the port up the street and up the steps of the Sacred Church of the Virgin Mary to kiss the miracle-working icon. Apart from being one of the holiest shrines in Greece, the island is full of interesting places waiting to be discovered. More than 600 intricate dovecotes, 62 authentic villages, 750 churches and chapels and numerous alluring beaches, all make up the character of this Aegean Island. With a long tradition in marble sculpture, Tinian craftsmen have transformed every lintel, doorway, and fountain into a work of art, all typical examples of local architecture.
Tinos has not been developed on the same scale as other islands in the Cyclades, so retains a lot of its original charm and natural beauty. Although, it is located only 20 minutes by boat from Mykonos, it is still protected from mass tourism. The fascination of Tinos lies in the hinterland and in the nature, the ancient rural streets that lead to whitewashed chapels, unique pigeon houses and medieval villages with elegant arches, cobbled paths, chapels and white houses. Explore the lunar landscape around Volax, hike in the countryside, take a break at a traditional cafe under the shade of the sycamore trees and have a Greek coffee or taste the local cuisine. Feel the lifestyle of Tinos and the unique hospitality the island offers. This comprehensive travel guide to Tinos gives you everything you need to know.
Tinos is the fourth largest island of the Cyclades after Naxos, Andros and Paros. The closest islands are Andros, Delos and Mykonos.
Tinos was named after King Tino, the first settler of the island and leader of a group of Ionians from Cariati of Asia Minor, who lived here in prehistoric times.
Tinos Island is the hub of marble and marble sculpting. Many famous sculptors come to the island, attracted by the quality marble and skilled craftsmen. Tinos is also home to the church of Panagia Evangelistria, one of the most important Greek Orthodox churches throughout the country.
Facts and numbers about the place. Get a quick view of the number of beaches, sights, footpaths and events.
Wondering what to do and what to see? The team of ALLOVERGREECE put together a list of must-see destinations and top-rated tourist attractions to help you make the most of your travel itinerary, so be sure to refer often to our list of the top tourist attractions.
Find local recipes and local products. Try the local cuisine, discover the greek food and find local products to buy.
HOW TO GET AROUND TINOS | Car Rental, Bus. Taxi, Scooter / ATV
By Rental: If you want to truly explore Tinos, you will need to rent a car. There are frequent buses going around the island, especially in summer, but to explore the island at your own pace, renting a car or ATV is the best option, however you need to feel comfortable driving around narrow, winding mountain roads. Also, the benefit of renting a car in Tinos, is stopping and enjoying magnificent views throughout the island. We would suggest to book one in advance and collect it from the ferry port. This will give you freedom to see a lot even if you only stay for a few days. Driving in Tinos is pretty easy and the roads are generally good, εven though, some of the roads to reach remote beaches are dirt roads. Drive slowly and if you are not the most confident driver you would better avoid driving on such rough roads as it can be very challenging. To visit a few of the villages and the most popular beaches a car would do, but if you like exploring off-road you would benefit from an ATV. Car rental agencies can be found around the port area. To rent a car you will need an EU or international driver’s license.
By Bus: On the other hand, you can use local buses to reach most of the villages. The central bus station is located in Chora. Using a bus is an inexpensive way of getting around. Bear in mind, that the bus schedule changes based on season and demand. By Taxi: There’s also the convenient option of using the local taxi service, but taxis on the island can be hard to get in summer and are not cost-effective. They can usually be found at the port but we would suggest you to book one in advance. They run on meters so make sure the meter is on when you get in the car. Hiking: The most pleasurable way of all, is walking the old footpaths of the island. Tinos island has a network of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the island’s rugged interior.
View all the upcoming feasts and festivals. Be part of them and enjoy the greek hospitality!